In Our Own Backyard: Arboretum offers cool summer walk

While there are many things to see and do in faraway places, the best can sometimes be found right in our own backyard. With that in mind, The Gazette’s West Island section explores attractions and delights in our corner of the world, both on and off the island.

It may not be the first place one thinks of to beat the summer heat, but the Morgan Arboretum offers shady walks on trails taking you past sugar maples, black walnuts and ginkgo trees.

Newcomers should report to the Pines office at the tree sanctuary, where it might be suggested they start off on the three-kilometre orange trail, which usually takes about 45 minutes. This main trail, open year round, is often used by members to walk their dogs, and by joggers and bird watchers. The trail offers visitors a nice leisurely walk through a forest that keeps the sun at bay. In all, there are about 25 kilometres of designated trails, though some of it is reserved for cross-country skiing.

The 3.4-kilometre yellow trail offers hikers a more “wild” adventure.

The red trail, about 1.5 kilometres long, runs through some plantations and is a fantastic place to see owls and deer.

The green trail, aimed at ecology, runs about 1.3 kilometres and offers a glimpse of some interesting habitats.

On very hot days, the trees transpire and will mist walkers on a micro level.

Typically, many visitors come out to enjoy nature and to forget about city life for a few hours. You can also look out for wildlife, from frogs to silver spotted butterflies.

There are about 330 species of trees on the 245-hectare reserve, with about 40 of them naturally found in Quebec or Canada.

There are 18 collections of trees and shrubs from other parts of the northern hemisphere, including China and Europe.

Visitors can think of the arboretum as an outdoor tree museum where everything is alive. Among unusual species are cucumber trees, a magnolia variety, which can found in the Blossom Corner alongside basswood-linden, dogwood, viburnum and crab apple trees. Since this time of the year isn’t a busy season for the arboretum, it’s opportune for first-time visitors.

Coming events include:

On the Fly: Our Winged Critters on Saturday, a three-hour excursion starting at 9 a.m. in search of winged creatures from birds to dragonflies.

On Aug. 4, the Little Sprouts tree walk, which runs from 9: 30 a.m. to noon, is geared toward children, who can enter for free.

Forests, the Living Landscape will be held on Aug. 27, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Keen on Spiders? The arboretum’s nature interpretation series will focus on these silk-weaving invertebrates on Sept. 4, from 9: 30 a.m. to noon.

Meanwhile, the Royal Astronomical Society (rascmontreal. org) hosts lecture and star-gazing events at the arboretum. The next one is set for Aug. 6 at 8 p.m.

Researchers from McGill University, which has owned the reserve since 1945, use the arboretum for projects.

Visitors will occasionally see coloured ribbons marking trees or shrubs, indicating someone is conducting a study on anything from tree disease, insects to bird nesting habits.

The reserve, a multi-use facility dedicated to forest conservation, university teaching and research, is run by the Morgan Arboretum Association, a non-profit organization.

What should I bring? A hat, comfortable walking or hiking shoes, water, a bagged lunch and binoculars. While the worst of the season is reportedly over, it’s not uncommon to encounter mosquitos for the entire summer.

Will I need money? Day passes are available, $5 per adult, $2 for kids (free for those under age 4), and $3 for seniors. Annual membership fees range from $75 per adult, $45 for a senior to $120 for couples/families. The arboretum has about 3,000 members.

What else do I need to know? Bicycles are prohibited. You can cycle to the arboretum, but you must park your bike before hitting the trails. Because of skiing, winter is the busiest season for the arboretum. It should be noted only dogs registered can enter the arboretum and that there are no day passes for canines. There is a long waiting list to register dogs. About 500 are registered.

How long does a visit take? A visitor could stay for a few hours, with the official opening hours running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How do I get there? The arboretum is at 150 Pines Rd. in Ste. Anne de Bellevue. Currently, the best way to drive there is to take the Morgan Blvd. exit from Highway 40, turn left on Ste. Marie Rd. It’s just west of the Ecomuseum Zoo. For more information, call 514-398-7811 or check morganarboretum.org.

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